Texas Veterans CommissionFund for Veterans’ Assistance

Request for Applications

General Assistance GrantsSeries 16-A

July 6, 2015

Application Deadline: August 17, 2015, 5:00 PM Austin, Texas

Fund for Veterans’ Assistance website:http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Apply-For-A-Grant.aspx

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is firmly committed to the principal of fair and equal employment opportunities and the provision of services without regard to race, color,

sex, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, or genetic information.

Table of ContentsI. Purpose and Overview......................................................................................................................3II. Purpose of this Request for Applications.........................................................................................4

A. Term of this Grant...............................................................................................................4B. Total Amount Available and Number of Awards................................................................5C. Number of FVA Grants.......................................................................................................5D. Matching Funds...................................................................................................................5

III. Definitions of Key Terms.................................................................................................................5IV. Program Guidelines..........................................................................................................................8

A. Competitive Grant...............................................................................................................8B. Reimbursement Grant..........................................................................................................8C. Eligibility of Beneficiaries...................................................................................................8D. Grant Funding Period..........................................................................................................8E. Additional Funding..............................................................................................................9F. Eligible Applicants..............................................................................................................9G. Not Eligible to Apply...........................................................................................................9H. Funding Amounts and Financial Documentation................................................................9I. Texas Administrative Code...............................................................................................10J. Prohibited Uses of Funds...................................................................................................10K. Grant Management Standards............................................................................................11

V. Grant Application...........................................................................................................................11Applicant Information.....................................................................................................................11Part 1: Proposed Project Information..............................................................................................12Part II: Organization Background...................................................................................................15Part III: Budget Table and Budget Narratives................................................................................15

VI. Application Review and Award Process........................................................................................19VII. Application Webinar and Questions...............................................................................................20VIII. Application Package.......................................................................................................................20IX. Application Submission..................................................................................................................20

A. Application Deadline.........................................................................................................20B. Application Format and Delivery Method.........................................................................21

X. Timeline for FVA Series 16-A Grant Applications........................................................................21XI. Grantee Training.............................................................................................................................22PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................23TERMS AND CONDITIONS.....................................................................................................................27PROVISIONS AND ASSURANCES.........................................................................................................32

APPENDIX I - The ApplicationAPPENDIX II – The Evaluation RubricAPPENDIX III – Sample Notice of Grant Award

Request for ApplicationsTexas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance

SERIES 16-A – General Assistance Grant

The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA or “Fund”) was created in the 79 th Legislature, and codified in the Texas Government Code § 434.017, Veterans’ Assistance Agencies. The Fund, prior to the passage of Senate Bill 1655 in the 81st Legislature, was composed of money transferred to the Fund at the direction of the Legislature, gifts and grants contributed to the Fund, and the earnings of the Fund.

During the 81st Legislature, Senate Bill 1655 established the Veterans’ Assistance Game. This allowed for money to be transferred to the Fund from proceeds of a game operated by the Texas Lottery Commission, operated under the Texas Government Code §§ 466.027 and 466.408. The Fund is also composed of money deposited to the Fund under the Texas Transportation Code § 502.1746. The Texas Veterans Commission oversees all rules governing the awarding of grants from the FVA.

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) established the following priorities to provide guidance to the FVA Advisory Committee in developing funding recommendations and for the Commission in making grant awards. These priorities are:

Outstanding Grant ApplicationsPriority will be given to outstanding-rated grant applications.

Service Categories Priority will be given to the following service category:

o Financial Assistance

Geographic DistributionThe FVA Advisory Committee will develop recommendations that will ensure widespread distribution of grants across the state.

Diversity of Services in Geographic AreasThe Commission encourages a diversity of services provided within geographic regions.

Full FundingThe FVA Advisory Committee will recommend fully funding grant requests, whenever possible.

The above priorities will be used in the funding recommendations made for this grant.

I. Purpose and Overview

The Texas Veterans Commission is authorized to use funds appropriated to the FVA to administer the Fund and make reimbursement grants to address the needs of Veterans and their families. Such needs include, but are not limited to, the following:

Limited emergency assistance for Veterans and their families Family and child services Transportation services Veterans courts Legal services, excluding criminal defense Development of professional services networks

Request for Applications Page 3Series 16-A

Employment, training, education, and job placement assistance

II. Purpose of this Request for Applications

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to seek Grant Applications from Eligible Applicants for Reimbursement Grants using FVA funds. All grant awards will be made through a competitive grant selection process. This RFA and accompanying Application documents are for the General Assistance Grant. This solicitation is not for Veterans Mental Health programs or Housing 4 Texas Heroes programs.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for those Proposed Projects falling under the Homeless/Housing Service Category will not be considered for funding under this RFA. Homeless/Housing projects are now part of the Housing 4 Texas Heroes program and organizations wishing to submit applications for funding to support Homeless/Housing projects will be able to do so in the upcoming Housing for Texas Heroes Request for Applications, expected to be posted Fall 2015.

Homeless/Housing projects include homeless support programs, shelter, transitional living/temporary housing, at-risk homeless prevention and rapid re-housing programs.

Please see Page 12, Section V, Grant Application, Part I – Proposed Project for more information on Service Categories eligible for funding under this RFA.

The application period for this grant opens July 6, 2015 and closes August 17, 2015. Applications must be received by August 17, 2015 by 5 p.m. at the TVC office in Austin, Texas. Refer to page 19, Section IX Application Submission for complete application delivery instructions.

Upon Commission approval of the grant awards, the parties will be bound by the following: 1) the terms and requirements within this RFA document, 2) the Grant Application and all items submitted by the grant applicant to the Commission in response to this RFA, and 3) the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA). In the event of conflicts or inconsistencies between any of these documents, the provisions set forth in the NOGA will prevail.

Applicants are expected to read and be familiar with ALL Program Requirements, Terms and Conditions, and Provisions and Assurances within this RFA document and are expected to comply with them. Applicant will sign a True and Correct Statement as part of Appendix I – The Application confirming compliance with all program requirements, terms and conditions, and provisions and assurances.

A Grant Application received by the Agency must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding:

Be completed according to the grant application instructions listed in this RFA; Satisfy all requirements as listed in Section VI. Application Review and Award Process; and Received by the Agency by the deadline established in the grant application instructions, as listed in

Section IX. Application Submission, of this RFA.

If a Grant Application received by the Agency does not meet all requirements listed above, it may not be considered for funding.

A. Term of this GrantRequest for Applications Page 4Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Grants awarded under this RFA will begin on January 1, 2016 and end on December 31, 2016. Reimbursement will only be made for those allowable expenses that occur within the term of this grant. No pre-award spending will be allowed.

B. Total Amount Available and Number of AwardsThe anticipated amount available for awarding with Series 16-A is $4,000,000. The number of awards will be dependent upon the FVA grant amounts awarded to Eligible Applicants. Requested grant amounts must be one of the specific grant amounts listed. This amount is subject to change due to availability of funds.

C. Number of FVA GrantsOrganizations will only be awarded one FVA General Assistance grant during this competition. An organization may have a Housing4TexasHeroes grant and still retain eligibility to apply for an FVA grant. Additionally, departments within units of local government may apply under separate applications for more than one grant. An organization may not have an overlapping or concurrent FVA General Assistance Grant and a Veterans Mental Health Grant.

D. Matching FundsWhile there is no mandated matching requirement, the FVA does expect Grantees to share in the operational cost of funded projects. Applicants are required to identify the anticipated funds they will use on the Proposed Project.

III. Definitions of Key Terms

The capitalized terms used in this RFA are defined as follows:

Advisory Committee. The committee formed under Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 452.2(c), relating to Fund for Veterans’ Assistance Advisory Committee.

Agency. The Texas Veterans Commission.

Applicant. Shall have the same meaning as Eligible Applicant as defined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.3(a). The following are eligible to apply for grant funds: 1) Units of local government; 2) IRS Code § 501(c)(19) Posts or organizations of past or present members of the Armed Forces; 3) IRS Code § 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Texas; 4) Texas chapters of IRS Code § 501(c)(4) Veterans service organizations; or 5) Non-profit organizations authorized to do business in Texas with experience providing services to Veterans.

Approved Budget. The budget included in a grant application that corresponds with the amount awarded by the Commission.

Audited Financial Statements. A consulting service provided by a third-party Certified Public Accountant (CPA) that reviews the accounting processes and procedures. The CPA will review the financial statements using standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Awarded Applicant. Shall have the same meaning as Grantee. An organization that receives a grant from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Beneficiary. A member of the target population served by the Grantee’s organization. For purposes of this grant, the Beneficiary, is a Texas Veteran, Texas surviving spouse, or a Texas Veteran’s dependent.

Request for Applications Page 5Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Cancellation. Cessation of payment of grant funds and withdrawal of the Grantee’s right to receive additional grant funds.

Capital Expenditure. Tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or $5,000.

Commission. The members of the Texas Veterans Commission.

Compilation of Financial Statements. Refers to the process whereby an accountant presents, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management (owners), without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements. This may or may not be done by a third-party CPA.

Dependents. Spouse, son, daughter, including stepchild or adopted child of a Texas Veteran.

Disabled Veteran. As defined in Title 5, United States Code Annotated, Section 2108(2), "An individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces, (except as provided under section 2108a) has been separated therefrom under honorable conditions, and has established the present existence of a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension because of a public statute administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a military department."

Disallowed Cost. A questioned cost that the Agency has determined violates the conditions of the NOGA or other law, regulation, or other document governing the expenditures of funds.

Eligible Applicants. As defined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.3(a). The following are eligible to apply for grant funds: 1) Units of local government; 2) IRS Code § 501(c)(19) Posts or organizations of past or present members of the Armed Forces; 3) IRS Code § 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Texas; 4) Texas chapters of IRS Code § 501(c)(4) Veterans service organizations; or 5) Non-profit organizations authorized to do business in Texas with experience providing services to Veterans.

Expenditure Benchmark. The percent of the total grant award that must be expended and reported by designated timeframes within the Grant Funding Period.

FVA. Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Governing Body. A group who formulates the policy and directs the affairs of an organization in partnership with managing staff.

Grant. A sum of money given by an organization or a unit of government for a particular purpose. Grants do not include donations or in-kind contributions.

Grant Application. Documents submitted by an organization or unit of local government in response to the Request for Applications (RFA). Also referred to as “Application Package” in this RFA.

Grantee. An organization that receives a grant from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Grant Funding Period. The time period specified in the RFA and NOGA during which all work must be performed and expenses must be incurred.

Request for Applications Page 6Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Grant Project. The work and activities for which grant funding has been awarded and information is provided in the approved Appendix I – The Application. During the open application process and before the Texas Veterans Commission makes final grant awards, the Grant Project will be known as the Proposed Project.

Ineligible. Any application submitted by an organization that does not meet the requirements of this RFA will be disqualified from further review and deemed Ineligible.

IRS Tax Form 990 showing Part X Balance Sheets. Refers to form used by tax-exempt organizations, Non-exempt charitable trusts, and section 527 political organizations to provide the IRS with the information required by 26 U.S. Code § 6033 - Returns by exempt organizations. To be considered as sufficient Minimum Required Financial Documentation, the Form 990 submitted must include Part X. Balance Sheets.

Notice of Grant Award. The Notice of Grant Award and all addenda represent the agreement between the parties. Upon Commission approval of the grant award, the parties will be bound by the following: (1) the terms and requirements within this RFA document, 2) the Grant Application and all items submitted by the grant applicant to the Commission in response to this RFA, and 3) the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA). In the event of conflicts or inconsistencies between any of these documents, the provisions set forth in the NOGA will prevail.

Performance Benchmark. The percent of each minimum required performance measure that must be met and reported by designated timeframes within the grant period.

Principal Participant. Project Coordinator and Financial Coordinator, and Executive Director or any other key stakeholders in the Proposed Project.

Proposed Project. The work and activities for which funding is sought and information is provided in the Appendix I – The Application. Should the Texas Veterans Commission approve the Application, the Proposed Project will then become known as the Grant Project.

Questioned Cost. A cost that has been identified to be an alleged violation of a provision of the NOGA, law, regulation, or other agreement or document governing the expenditure of funds or a cost that is not supported by adequate documentation.

Regional. Refers to a Proposed Project whose service area includes one or more counties within the state and whose services are offered and available to beneficiaries living within those identified counties.

Reimbursement Grant. The Grantee is required to finance its operations with its own working capital. Grant payments will be made to reimburse the Grantee for actual expenditures made supported by adequate documentation.

Résumé. A document that contains a summary of relevant job experience and education.

Statewide. Refers to a Proposed Project whose service area includes every county within the state and whose services are offered and available to beneficiaries living within every county within the state.

Sub-Grant. An award made by a Grantee to another organization or agency using grant funds. This is prohibited under Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.10(2).

TVC. Texas Veterans Commission. Request for Applications Page 7Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Unallowable Cost. A cost that is 1) not necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient performance and administration of the project, 2) not allocable to the project, 3) not authorized nor prohibited under State or local laws or regulations, and 4) does not conform to limitations or exclusions set forth in 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Federal laws, terms and conditions of the award, or other governing regulations as to types or amounts of cost items.

Unduplicated. For purposes of this grant, unduplicated shall be defined as not previously counted.

Units of Local Government. A county, municipality, special district, school district, junior college district, a local workforce development board created under the Texas Government Code § 2308.253, or other legally constituted political subdivision of the state.

IV. Program Guidelines

A. Competitive GrantThe General Assistance grant is a competitive reimbursement grant available to Eligible Applicants. The funding is to be used to assist organizations with addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. Grant funding should not be used with the anticipation or expectation of additional or subsequent awards of FVA funding. See E. Additional Funding below.

B. Reimbursement GrantFVA grants are awarded on a cost reimbursement basis. Under the cost reimbursement method of funding, a Grantee is required to finance its operations with its own working capital with grant payments made to reimburse the Grantee for actual cash disbursements supported by adequate documentation as prescribed by the FVA. An initial payment of up to 10% of the total amount of the grant can be made for start-up costs. The subsequent expenses will be charged against the initial payment until a zero balance is reached to be followed by expenses that will be reimbursed up to the total amount of the grant.

C. Eligibility of BeneficiariesThe Grantee must ensure that clients served using FVA grant funds are eligible to receive services prior to requesting reimbursement for services provided to these clients. Eligibility documentation must be maintained by the Grantee in the clients’ records.

D. Grant Funding PeriodAll funding awarded under this grant must be expended within the Grant Funding Period of January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. If awarded funds, the Agency will disburse 10% of the awarded Grant Amount upon execution of the NOGA. No pre-award spending will be allowed. All costs associated with the preparation and submission of an Application for this RFA is the responsibility of Applicant. These costs shall not be chargeable to TVC by any successful or unsuccessful Applicant.

Organizations may only be awarded one FVA grant at a time. Organizations may have an FVA grant and an H4TXH grant concurrently. Additionally, departments within units of local government may apply under separate applications for more than one grant. An organization may not have an overlapping or concurrent FVA General Assistance Grant and a Veterans Mental Health Grant.

E. Additional FundingRequest for Applications Page 8Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

There should be no expectation of additional or continued grant funding on the part of the Grantee. Any additional funding or future funding will require submission of a Grant Application during a subsequent Request for Applications. All additional funding will be through a competitive RFA process. An amendment extending the Grant Period may be considered by the FVA.

F. Eligible Applicants 1. Units of local government;2. IRS Code § 501(c)(19) Posts or organizations of past or present members of the Armed Forces;3. IRS Code § 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Texas;4. Texas chapters of IRS Code § 501(c)(4) Veterans service organizations; or5. Non-profit organizations authorized to do business in Texas with experience providing services

to Veterans.

G. Not Eligible to Apply1. Individuals;2. For-profit entities;3. Units of federal or state government, including state agencies, colleges, and universities; 4. Organizations that have not fulfilled all legal requirements to operate in the state of Texas; and5. Organizations that do not have current operations in Texas or a Texas-based chapter.

H. Funding Amounts and Financial DocumentationEligible Applicants are encouraged to request a specific funding amount from the options below. $5,000 $15,000 $20,000 $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $200,000 $300,000 $500,000 – Requests of this amount are available to Statewide Proposed Projects ONLY.

An Eligible Applicant must provide the minimum required financial documentation listed below for the range in which their requested grant amount falls. The amount of funding requested by an Eligible Applicant will determine the financial documents the Eligible Applicant must provide. An Eligible Applicant may supply financial documentation that is greater than what is required for an FVA Grant Amount, but may not supply less than the Minimum Required Financial Documentation. See Page 5, Section III. Definition of Key Terms for more information regarding required financial documentation.

FVA Grant Amount Minimum Required Financial Documentation

$500,000 $300,000 $200,000

Audited Financial Statements

$150,000 $125,000 $100,000 $75,000

Compilation of Financial Statements or IRS Tax Form 990 showing Part X Balance Sheets

Request for Applications Page 9Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

$50,000 $20,000 $15,000 $5,000

I. Texas Administrative CodeAll applicants should review and be familiar with the TVC administrative rules governing the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance Program. These rules are published in 40 Texas Administrative Code, Part 15, Chapter 460, found at: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=3&ti=40&pt=15

J. Prohibited Uses of Funds Supplanting of Funds

A grant made to an organization or unit of local government is intended to provide services and/or assist Veterans and their families through the existing structure of the organization. It is not the intent of this grant to supplant existing funds, but to supplement existing funding.

Duplication of ServicesGrant funds are not to be used to conduct activities or to provide services that are the same as those currently provided by the Texas Veterans Commission. However, grant funds may be used to conduct activities or provide services that complement those provided by the Texas Veterans Commission. Services provided by the Texas Veterans Commission include Claims Representation and Counseling, Education, Employment, Women Veterans Program, Military Veteran Peer Network, and Veteran Entrepreneur Programs. More information about the programs can be found on the website, http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Home.aspx.

Sub-GrantsSub-Granting is an award made by a Grantee to another organization or agency using FVA grant funds. This is prohibited under Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.10(2).

Capital ExpendituresCapital expenditures are those expenditures of tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or $5,000. Capital expenditures are prohibited.

Vehicle purchase and capital leases are prohibited. “Use” leases or “operational” leases are allowable only when specifically authorized.

The following are also prohibited costs for FVA General Assistance Grants:o Cash or Cash Equivalents – per Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section

460.10(3) distribution of cash or a cash equivalent to veterans and/or their families is prohibited. Cash equivalents can include gift cards and gas cards.

o Scholarships – per Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.10(5) scholarships for education are prohibited.

o Preparation of Grant Application costs – per this RFA, Section IX. Application Submission, costs associated with preparing and/or submission of an Application are the responsibility of the Applicant.

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o “Honoraria” – this is not an allowable cost. The term “fee” should be used in lieu of honorarium in accounting records and consulting agreements.

o Food – FVA reserves the right to restrict a Grantee from expending any funds on food costs or to disallow food costs. FVA will determine if food costs have both a programmatic purpose and are reasonable and necessary for the successful performance of the Proposed Project.

o Construction – per Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 15, Section 460.10(4) acquisition or construction of facilities, except for grant funds awarded under the H4TXH program, is prohibited.

K. Grant Management StandardsAll grants awarded by the Texas Veterans Commission must follow the applicable Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) which can be found at www. governor.state. tx .us/files/state- grants/ UGMS 062004.doc and the applicable federal grant guidelines published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB federal guidelines, 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, can be found at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ad01a55d75da31a0dfce4a96512c1ff2&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5. In the event of a conflict between UGMS and applicable federal law, the provisions of federal law apply.

V. Grant Application Applicants are required to complete Appendix I - The Application. Each section description provides an explanation of the information required to complete Appendix I - The Application. Appendix I - The Application should be completed as instructed and using Microsoft Word. The font should be 11 pt. using 8 ½” x 11” paper. All pages are to be numbered and submitted in the same order as in Appendix I - The Application. The applicant organization must complete all requested information. If there is a line that does not apply, write “NA” on that line. Do not leave blank lines. Any additional information submitted that is not part of the requested Application Package may not be reviewed.

The information supplied by the Applicant in Appendix I - The Application will be used to evaluate and score all applications using Appendix II – Evaluation Rubric. Applicants are to provide sufficient detail to evaluate the Proposed Project. Please refer to Appendix II - Evaluation Rubric for additional information.

The following is additional information that pertains to the sections in Appendix I - The Application:

Applicant InformationAll lines marked with an asterisk (*) are required to be filled out.

Legal Name of Organization. The organization’s legal name and/or assumed name must be used.

Texas Address. If the headquarters or main offices of an applicant organization are located outside of Texas, list the Texas-based office address that will be used for the project.

Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is issued by the IRS. Additional information on the EIN and how-to obtain one can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/How-to-Apply-for-an-EIN. Do not leave blank.

DUNS number. Enter your organization’s Dun and Bradstreet, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Additional information on obtaining a DUNS number can be found at: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm. Do not leave blank.

Request for Applications Page 11Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Applicant Contact – Project Coordinator and Financial Coordinator. Provide the names, titles, phones, and emails for those organization employees who will be overseeing the grant project and overseeing the grant expenditures and finances. These organization employees are considered Principal Participants.

True and Correct Statement. The Authorized Signature block should be signed by the person who has the authority to enter into legal agreements for the organization. Applications must be submitted by an authorized agent of the applicant organization.

Part 1: Proposed Project Information

Proposed Project Name. Provide a name for the Proposed Project.

Amount Requested. Check the one box for the amount being requested as instructed. Only Statewide Proposed Projects are eligible to request the $500,000 amount.

Grant Project Service Category. Check the one box that best describes the nature of the Proposed Project. Project Service Category descriptions are:

Financial Assistance: Emergency financial assistance that is short-term and temporary in nature, such as, a one-time utility payment, one-time rental payment, transportation assistance, or child care. Financial assistance payments should only be made if the organization verifies that the Beneficiary is the named person on the utility, rent agreement, mortgage, or other bill presented. Financial assistance payments are not to be made to the Beneficiary, but to the vendor. Medical expenses and child support payments are NOT considered for financial assistance. Gift cards, pre-paid gas cards, other pre-paid service cards, cash or cash equivalents are NOT allowable. May not include Mental Health components as part of services provided. Proposed Projects that include provision of more than one-time emergency rental or mortgage assistance may not be considered for funding under this RFA.

Transportation: May include transportation assistance and transportation programs. Pre-paid gas or pre-paid service cards, cash or cash equivalents are NOT allowable.

Employment: This includes job skills and training programs, job search services and other employment-related services. Applicants are to review current programs offered by TVC to ensure Proposed Projects do not duplicate services currently provided by TVC.

Family Services: Services may include youth programs, family programs, reintegration, and deployment readiness programs. May not include Mental Health components as part of services provided.

Legal: This includes legal aid, legal clinics and other legal services other than Veterans Courts. This service category does NOT include criminal defense or Veterans Courts as defined in the Texas Government Code, Chapter 124.

Referral: This category includes those programs that provide information and referral programs.

Supportive Services: This category is for support services such as elder care, food delivery programs, financial counseling, case management and medical assistance programs. Pre-paid service cards, such as gas, groceries, and department store-related cards are NOT allowable. May not include Mental Health components as part of services provided.

Request for Applications Page 12Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

Veterans Treatment Court: Services related to this "specialty court" which is charged with handling offenses involving Veterans as defined in the Texas Government Code, Chapter 124. It is NOT for criminal defense. Veterans Treatment Court programs MAY include Mental Health components as part of the overall Veterans Court program.

New, Expansion, or Continuation. Check the one box that best describes the Proposed Project.

Geographic Service Area(s). Check all counties, regardless of region, that the Proposed Project will serve. If the Proposed Project is statewide, only check the statewide box. Refer to Page 5, Section III. Definitions of Key Terms for more information on Statewide projects and Regional projects.

Proposed Project Services1. Briefly describe the Proposed Project. Be specific in your answer and include the Who, What, Where,

When, and Why of the Proposed Project.2. Briefly describe how Beneficiaries will access and/or be provided with Project services by your

organization. Be specific in your answer and include the How of the Project.

Need Identified1. What is/are the community need(s) or existing service gap(s) that the Proposed Project will address?

Be specific in your answer and sufficiently describe the need that your service area faces. 2. How did you identify the community need(s) or problem(s)? Be specific in your answer and

sufficiently describe any methods used to identify that the need described above in Need Identified #1 is present in your service area (example: current client experiences, word of mouth, client surveys). Include references to data that may support that this need exists in your service area.

3. How will the Proposed Project address the identified need(s) or problem(s)? Be specific in your answer and sufficiently describe how the components of the Proposed Project as described above in Proposed Project Services #1 will assist in attempting to resolve the need described above in Need Identified #1.

4. How is the Proposed Project unique from other similar services that may be available in your proposed service area? Be specific with details about what sets your Proposed Project apart.

Beneficiaries1. Related to information provided in Need Identified above, Applicants may restrict Proposed Project

services to particular groups to address need. For example, Proposed Projects may serve only Veterans of a particular era, Veterans with a specific discharge status, Veterans of a particular branch of service, or particular Veteran dependents. Provide a definition for each category that will be eligible to receive services, listing any service restriction of the Proposed Project. Be specific.

2. Describe any other restrictions on eligibility, if applicable (example: income level, beneficiaries living in a specific service area like a county or region, or referral from VA or other such organization.)

3. Performance Measuresa. Estimated Number of Clients to be Served. In the table provided, enter the estimated number of

Veterans, Dependents, and Surviving Spouses to be served by the Proposed Project. The information to be entered is a number. Do not enter a percentage and do not enter a range.

b. Additional Performance Measures and Estimated Volume of Services Provided to Clients. First enter additional performance measures that align with and are related to the Proposed Project in the Performance Measure column. Then provide the estimated volume for the additional performance measure listed.

c. Goals and Anticipated Outcomes. 1. First enter goals that align with and are related to the Proposed Project in the Goals column.

Then provide the anticipated outcome for the goal listed in the “Anticipated Outcomes” column.

Request for Applications Page 13Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

2. Describe how you will determine if anticipated outcomes are met. Examples may include using a client satisfaction survey, following up with clients 30-90 days after receiving services to determine statues, and/or tracking pertinent client data.

Project Eligibility1. Eligibility to receive services must be verified and documented. List the specific government forms

your organization staff will use to verify eligibility of clients who can receive as you have defined it above in Beneficiaries #1 and #2. If dependents and surviving spouses are listed as eligible beneficiaries, include how their eligibility will be verified.

2. Describe how the government forms and other eligibility document(s) will be retained (example: as listed in your organization’s retention policy) and maintained (example: in locked filing cabinet or electronically on your organization’s server).

Project Principal ParticipantsList the principal participants in the organization. Indicate which principal(s), if any, are Veterans. Refer to the RFA Section III. Definitions of Key Terms for who is considered a Principal Participant. Résumés are to be included for each Principal Participant and should describe applicable experience by position1. For each Principal Participant listed in the table, describe their role(s) and responsibilities that they will

have as related to the Proposed Project.

PartnershipsList agencies and/or organizations that your organization partners with to assist in serving Beneficiaries as part of the Proposed Project. Do not list partner agencies that are not affiliated with the Proposed Project.

Marketing and Outreach1. Indicate if your organization has an outreach and/or marketing plan to ensure your organization can

reach and provide services to the Estimated Number of Clients to be served as listed in the table for Beneficiaries #3.

2. Sufficiently describe the outreach and/or marketing plan and how it will ensure your organization is able to provide services to the Estimated Number of Clients to be served as listed in the table for Beneficiaries #3.

Sustainability after the Grant1. Indicate if your organization plans to continue the Proposed Project after the one-year FVA Grant

Funding Period.2. If the Proposed Project will continue, describe how it will continue. Be specific. Include in your

answer what other funding will be available to your organization and what other organizations with whom you may be partnering or working to carry on the work of the Proposed Project after December 31, 2016.

3. If your organization has received FVA funding in the past for the Proposed Project, describe why you are applying for a grant again.

Part II – Organization Background

Organization Overview1. Tell us about the purpose or mission of your organization. This information is about your organization

as a whole and not specifically about the Proposed Project. If you have a mission statement, it should be listed here.

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2. Enter the year your organization was established.3. Describe the services and/or programs that your organization currently provides in the community.

Give examples and briefly describe these services. Do not include the Proposed Project – only these programs or services that are current.

4. Tell us who is currently served by the programs offered by your organization.

Organizational Structure1. Check one box that describes the type of your organization.2. Check one box that describes the type of governing body of your organization.

Previous FVA Grant Awards Enter information into the table as instructed. If an amendment was received and the end date of the grant was extended by the amendment, use the extended date as the End Date in this section. Enter the total amount of previous FVA grants directly below the table.

Other GrantsEnter information into the table as instructed. List all grants received by your organization for the past 2 years. Do not include FVA grants in this section. Do not list in-kind donations – those should be listed in Part III: Budget and Budget Narratives for L. Matching Funds. If an audit was performed by a third-party CPA firm that included the grant listed, indicate "Yes" under Audit Performed. If more room is needed to list all grants, add lines or additional pages. Enter the total amount of other grants directly below the table.

Fiscal Management1. Check the box next to the applicable accounting software. If your organization uses software that is not

listed, enter the type used. Do not leave any item unmarked.2. Check “YES” or “NO” for each question as instructed. Do not answer “N/A”.3. Check “TRUE” or “FALSE” for each question as instructed. For F. enter the dollar amount at which

your organization capitalizes equipment. Do not answer “N/A”.

Performance Reporting1. Describe the type of tool to be used for data collection as instructed. 2. Enter a description of how the data will be consolidated to provide cumulative totals to be reported to

the FVA to ensure that no one is double-counted.

Part III: Budget Table and Budget Narratives

All grants awarded by the Texas Veterans Commission must follow the applicable Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) which can be found at www. governor.state. tx .us/files/state- grants/ UGMS 062004.doc and the applicable federal grant guidelines published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB federal guidelines, 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, can be found at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ad01a55d75da31a0dfce4a96512c1ff2&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5. In the event of a conflict between UGMS and applicable federal law, the provisions of federal law apply.

In addition to the above state and federal grant guidelines, this grant has additional restrictions regarding how grant dollars may be spent and these have been noted previously under Section IV. Program Guidelines, J. Prohibited Uses of Funds. Failure to follow these guidelines in developing budgets and project costs can result in unallowable costs.

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The budget is broken up into Direct and Indirect Costs. Within Direct Costs there are seven allowable sections. Indirect Costs has one section. Each section represents a Budget Category that will make up your Total Grant Amount Request. The total grant amount request must equal the Amount Requested checked in Part I – Proposed Project.

Complete each Table as applicable to your Proposed Project. Costs must be broken out in Tables to a degree that is sufficient to determine if costs are reasonable, allowable, and necessary for the successful performance of the grant project. Costs will be reviewed for compliance with UGMS and federal grant guidance found in 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Following each table, a narrative description supporting and discussing each budget item must be entered, as well as a calculation demonstrating how the cost was arrived at. For example, if there is travel in the budget, the narrative must discuss travel and the appropriateness of travel to the project, and the narrative must include calculations to support how the cost was determined.

Direct costs that appear indirect in nature need to be fully explained, supported, be reasonable, and treated in a consistent manner across your organization.  The FVA may ask the applicant to re-classify costs as indirect if the support provided does not meet the above criterion.

A. Salaries and Wages 1. Complete the table as instructed. For each employee directly associated with the Proposed

Project, enter the position title, employee’s name, the percent of time to be allocated to this Project, and their annual salary. Do not include employees that are general administration such as accounting, personnel/human resources IF they are already included in indirect charges. 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. If the employee is a contract employee, list that position under Table F. Client Services.

2. Describe the roles and responsibilities of each position and how each of those roles is necessary to accomplishing the Proposed Project as instructed. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

B. Fringe Benefits 1. Complete the table as instructed. For each position listed in Table A enter the annual fringe

benefits associated with that position. 2. Describe the costs covered in this category as instructed, including health insurance, leave time,

social security, and any other applicable fringe benefits for each position listed in Table B and how each of those benefits are necessary to accomplishing the Proposed Project. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

C. Travel 1. Complete the table as instructed. Enter employee travel associated with this project in this table.

This includes travel to and from conferences, training, and travel to provide client services. a. Travel does not include international travel. Travel will follow all policies and procedures

for travel established by the organization. All travel costs must be in compliance with 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

b. As noted in the Section XI. Grantee Training, funds do not need to be budgeted for travel to Austin, TX for grantee training. This training will be done remotely via webinar or conference call, or in some instances, FVA staff may conduct onsite training visits at the Awarded Applicant’s facility.

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2. Describe each travel item included in the table including but not limited to what the travel is for, mileage rates, meal rates per day, conference registration fees, and why the travel is necessary to accomplish the Proposed Project. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

D. Equipment 1. Complete the table as instructed. Equipment is an article of tangible personal property that has a

useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the organization’s level of capitalization or $5,000. List any equipment that will be purchased with this grant. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. If the unit price of equipment listed exceeds $5,000 or your organization’s level of capitalization, the cost will not be allowed.

2. Describe each equipment item listed in the table and explain why each equipment item is necessary to accomplish the Proposed Project. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

3. If this is a continuation request and your organization was previously awarded funding for the Proposed Project, note each item of equipment listed in the Table above that was also requested as part of a previously funded application and explain why it is being requested again. Examples of such items of equipment may include laptops, projectors, printers, phones, office furniture.

E. Supplies 1. Complete the table as instructed. This category would include paper and other consumable

items. 2. Describe each supply item listed in the table and explain why each supply item is necessary to

accomplish the Proposed Project. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

3. If this is a continuation request and your organization was previously awarded funding for the Proposed Project, note each item of supply listed in the Table above that was also requested as part of a previously funded application and explain why it is being requested again. Examples of such items of supply may include laptops, projectors, printers, phones.

F. Client Services 1. Complete the table as instructed. Client Services include any service being offered to the

Beneficiaries of this Proposed Project. This may include, but is not limited to, participant support costs such as emergency financial assistance, transportation assistance, stipends for beneficiaries to attend trainings, and any contract personnel who will be providing services to Beneficiaries. An itemized break-out of each client service is required, extra lines may be inserted into this table.

2. Describe each client service listed in the table and explain why each cost is necessary to accomplish the Proposed Project. Include, if applicable, the maximum amount of assistance to be provided to clients. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

G. Construction This line is not applicable to this FVA grant application and should be left blank. Construction of buildings is not allowed with this grant. Any remodeling or adaptive assistance for Beneficiaries should be listed under Client Services.

H. Other Direct Costs

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1. Complete the table as instructed. Direct costs that appear indirect in nature need to be fully explained, supported, be reasonable and treated in a consistent manner across your organization. The FVA may ask the applicant to re-classify costs as indirect if the support provided does not meet the above criterion.

2. Describe each item of other direct costs listed in the table and explain why each cost is necessary to accomplish the Proposed Project. If costs are allocated be sure to include an approximate percentage to be charged to this grant. Narrative must also include a calculation to demonstrate how the cost was determined.

I. Total Direct Charges This line is a summation of all Direct Cost Tables A - H. These are direct charges, meaning that any costs in Tables A – H are directly attributable to this project.

J. Indirect Charges Allowable Indirect Cost Recovery for FVA grants is limited to 10% of total direct costs for all applicants. Indirect charges are those items that are often considered “overhead,” and can be classified as those costs associated with accounting, human resources, and other administrative and facility-related costs.

Typical examples of indirect cost for many nonprofit organizations may include depreciation on buildings and equipment, the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, and general administration, such as the salaries and expenses of executive officers, personnel administration, and accounting.

If your organization has a federally negotiated indirect cost agreement, that document must be submitted as part of the Application Package so that staff is able to determine that direct and indirect costs are similarly treated.

If your organization does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost agreement, the flat 10% rate of total direct costs is allowable. Please keep in mind that direct and indirect costs must be treated in a similar manner as they are across your organization and may be reviewed for accuracy during monitor visits.

Direct costs that appear indirect in nature need to be fully explained, supported, be reasonable and treated in a consistent manner across your organization. The FVA may ask the applicant to re-classify costs as indirect if the support provided does not meet the above criterion.

For more information regarding direct and indirect costs, please see 2 CFR §200.412-414.

1. Enter the total Direct Costs in table J. to calculate the allowable Indirect Recovery. 2. If your organization is not submitting a federally negotiated indirect cost agreement, provide a

basic line item description for each indirect cost (ex. Executive Director, IT, Facilities). No further explanation is required. Again, direct and indirect costs are to be treated consistently and similarly either as a direct or an indirect cost in order to avoid double-charging the grant.

K. Budget Table Enter all the total lines from Direct Costs Tables A – H and Indirect Cost Total Table J into the Budget Table (Line I will calculate automatically). Each line in the budget table corresponds to a section of the budget. This is the total budget for the Proposed Project. The total of Table K MUST match the grant amount being requested in Part I: Proposed Project Information, Amount Requested.

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L. Matching Funds Describe what other funding sources and/or matching funds your organization will be using to support and accomplish the goals of the Proposed Project. This information helps to provide a complete picture of what resources will be used to accomplish the Proposed Project. Be specific in your answer by including, for example, any other grants that may fund portions of the Proposed Project, in-kind donations, or volunteer time that assists in the delivery of Proposed Project services

VI. Application Review and Award Process Applications received will be reviewed for eligibility and deemed Ineligible if one or more of the

following applies:

o Appendix I - The Application is not complete.o Minimum Financial Documentation is not provided.o The Application Package is missing required attachments or signatures.o If an audit completed in the past 2 years has material findings.o If the organization has an exclusion record listed on the General Services Administration

(GSA) System for Award Management (SAM).o The Application Package is received after the deadline.

This eligibility assessment is designed to be a proactive measure to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and to alert the Commission to potential risks before an award is made.

Each eligible application will be scored using Appendix II – Evaluation Rubric. The Rubric will review the following:

Areas for Evaluation Weighted PercentageApplicationWas the application well written and/or well organized?

10%

Proposed ProjectIs the Proposed Project reasonable, feasible, and able to be implemented?

35%

ManagementDoes the organization have the capacity and experience to successfully accomplish the Proposed Project?

30%

BudgetIs the budget reasonable, allowable, and necessary to accomplish the Proposed Project?

25%

All eligible applications will be given to the FVA Advisory Committee for their award recommendations.

The FVA Advisory Committee will meet in Austin, Texas on or about October 16, 2015 for a public presentation of the Proposed Projects by Applicants. Following that public presentation, the FVA Advisory Committee make the award recommendations. Additional information on this meeting will be available and shared at a later date. The date of this meeting is subject to change. Please check the FVA website for updated information.

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The funding recommendations made by the FVA Advisory Committee will be presented to the Commission on or about November 12, 2015 for awarding approval of the FVA grants. Additional information on this meeting will be made available at a later date. The date of this meeting is subject to change. Please check the FVA website for updated information.

If any part of the submitted application needs to be revised (for example, if the Grantee is awarded an amount other than that requested), the Awarded Applicant must submit a revised application. The Agency will provide instructions and guidelines for the submission of the revised application. .

After an application is submitted to the FVA and prior to the TVC Commission making the grant awards, the TVC and FVA staff will not be able to discuss application status with any organization.

Applicants shall be notified in writing of the Commission’s decision regarding a grant award.

VII. Application Webinar and QuestionsPotential applicants will have the opportunity to participate in an information session regarding the Series 16-A application to be held via webinar. The date of this webinar is to be determined. Information regarding the meeting and webinar will be available on the FVA website. Please check the FVA website for updated information.

The information session webinar will address any questions regarding the application or application process, but will not address a specific project or an organization’s application.

All questions pertaining to this RFA must be submitted to grants@tvc.texas.gov with “FVA Series 16-A Question” in the subject line of the email. Responses will be posted on the FVA website every Friday: http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Apply-For-A-Grant.aspx.

VIII. Application Package A complete Application Package includes submission of original signature pages AND submission of the items below. Failure to complete all required forms OR to provide an authorized signature may negatively impact the application or result in ineligibility.

The Application Package includes the following items:

1. The Application Checklist2. Appendix I - The Application (The True and Correct Statement of Appendix I - The Application MUST

be signed and the signature MUST be original)3. Résumés of the Principal Participants in the organization4. List and terms of current governing body members (Board of Directors, Commissioners Court, City

Council Members)5. Financial Documentation (per Section IV. H above.) 6. IRS Tax determination letter regarding non-profit status, if not a unit of local government. Do not

submit paperwork from the State Secretary of State or the State Comptroller of Public Accounts regarding non-profit status. Only IRS Tax determination letter indicating your organization is recognized as a tax-exempt non-profit is acceptable.

7. Current federal indirect negotiated cost plan, if applicable8. A copy of current professional liability insurance and/or malpractice insurance policy, if applicable

IX. Application Submission

A. Application DeadlineRequest for Applications Page 20Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

The application period opens July 6, 2015 and will close August 17, 2015. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. at the TVC office in Austin, Texas on August 17, 2015 to be considered for funding. TVC office is located in the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress Avenue, Suite 800. Applicant shall be solely responsible for ensuring their application is received by TVC prior to the deadline outlined in this RFA. To meet the deadline, both paper and electronic applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on August 17, 2015.

Applications shall be considered to be "on time" if they are received on or before the established deadline date and time. Applicant shall be solely responsible for ensuring that Application is received by TVC prior to the deadline outlined in this RFA. TVC shall not be responsible for failure of electrical or mechanical equipment, operator error, or inability of an electronic delivery agent to deliver an Application prior to the deadline. TVC accepts no responsibility for delays in shipping or mailing. Failure to respond in a timely manner to this request shall result in Applicant losing the opportunity to receive a grant under this program. A late Application, regardless of c irc u m stan c es, shall not be e v aluated or considered for award.

B. Application Format and Delivery MethodTwo copies of the Application Package must be submitted: one paper submission and one electronic submission.

For the paper submission, use letter-size, 8 1/2” x 11” paper, font size 11 points. All pages should be single-sided, numbered and submitted in the order listed above. Do not use staples, rubber bands, folders, or any other binding. Use one binder clip for the entire Application Package. Faxed Applications will not be accepted. This applies to all required attachments, including financial documentation.

Applications may be sent via U.S. Mail to:Texas Veterans CommissionFund for Veterans’ AssistanceSeries 16-A – General Assistance GrantP.O. Box 12277Austin, Texas 78711-2277

Applications may be delivered via overnight, hand delivery or courier service Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to:Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ AssistanceSeries 16-A – General Assistance GrantStephen F. Austin Building1700 N. Congress Avenue, Suite 800Austin, Texas 78701

For the electronic submission, the Application Package is to consist of two items: 1. Appendix I – The Application in Microsoft Word format, and 2. All other applicable items listed in XIII. Application Package in PDF format.

The electronic submission must have the words “Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant” in the subject line and emailed to grants@tvc.texas.gov prior to the deadline.

Request for Applications Page 21Series 16-A – General Assistance Grant

It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the Application Package – both electronic and hard copy formats – has been received prior to the deadline. FVA staff will not provide confirmation of receipt unless requested.

All costs associated with the preparation and submission of an Application for this RFA is the responsibility of Applicant. These costs shall not be chargeable to TVC by any successful or unsuccessful Applicant.

X. Timeline for FVA Series 16-A Grant ApplicationsThe dates listed in this RFA are subject to change. Please check the FVA website for updated information.

July 6, 2015 Series 16-A RFA opens with documents posted at www.tvc.texas.gov/Apply-For-A-Grant.aspx

TBD Informational application webinar. Additional information will be posted on website. This date is subject to change. Please check the FVA website.

August 17, 2015 All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Austin, Texas.

October 16, 2015 All eligible organizations may present their application to the FVA Advisory Committee in Austin. Additional information will be posted on the website at a later date. This date is subject to change. Please check the FVA website.

November 12, 2015 TVC Commission meeting. Austin, Texas. Additional information will be available at a later date. This date is subject to change. Please check the FVA website.

December 2015 Notice of Grant Awards to be sent to funded organizations.

January 1, 2016 Grant Funding Period begins.

January 2016 Mandatory grantee training. Additional information will be available at a later date.

December 31, 2016 Grant Funding Period ends.

XI. Grantee TrainingAwarded Applicants will be required to participate in training. This training will be conducted remotely either via webinar or conference call, or in some instances FVA staff may conduct an onsite training visit at the Awarded Applicant’s facility. Training costs related to FVA Grant training do not need to be included in the budget for the Proposed Project.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

I. Grant Memorialized in Notice of Grant AwardGrant Awards will be memorialized through a Notice of Grant Award (“NOGA”) negotiated with those Grantees selected through the evaluation process to have been awarded grant funds by the Commission. Submission of an Application confers no rights of Applicant to an award or a subsequent NOGA, if there is one. The issuance of this RFA does not guarantee that a NOGA will ever be awarded. TVC reserves the right to amend the terms and provisions of the RFA, negotiate with Applicant, add, delete, or modify the NOGA and/or the terms of Application submitted, extend the deadline for submission of Application, or withdraw the RFA entirely for any reason solely at TVC’s discretion, as consistent with the applicable OMB circulars. An individual Application may be rejected if it fails to meet any requirement of this RFA. TVC may seek clarification from Applicant at any time, and failure to respond within three (3) business days is cause for rejection of an Application.

Awarded Applicant understands and agrees that the Commission may, in its sole discretion, grant funds in greater or lesser amounts and/or for greater or lesser periods of time than requested in its application.

Upon execution of a NOGA resulting from this RFA, the term "Applicant" shall have the same meaning as "Awarded Applicant" and “Grantee.”

II. Order of PrecedenceIn the event of conflicts or inconsistencies, such conflicts or inconsistencies shall be resolved by reference to the documents in the following order of priority:

A. Notice of Grant Award

B. Request for Applications (incorporated by reference)

C. Appendix I – The Application (most recent version that conforms to grant award is incorporated by reference)

III. Conflicting RFA LanguageIn the event that language contained in a particular Section of the RFA is found to be in conflict with language in another Section, the most stringent requirement(s) shall prevail.

IV. NoticeAny notice or written communication between the Agency and Awarded Applicant shall be considered delivered when delivered electronically or postmarked, except that such notice or written communications sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or delivered in person to the authorized representative of the party designated in accordance with the NOGA shall be considered to be delivered when received.

V. Change of Principal ParticipantsAwarded Applicant, in its reasonable discretion, reserves the right to substitute appropriate key personnel to accomplish its duties so long as the substituted personnel are equally qualified and skilled in the tasks necessary to accomplish the Grant Project. Awarded Applicant shall provide to TVC prior written notice of any proposed change in key personnel involved in accomplishing the Grant Project. No substitutions of key personnel will be made without the prior written consent of TVC. All requested substitutes must be submitted to TVC. The key personnel that will be assigned to work on the Grant Project are considered to be essential to the accomplishing the Grant Project.

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After Application submission but prior to award, Applicant shall provide notice to the Agency in a similar manner of any changes in key personnel.

VI. Changes to ProgramAwarded Applicant will promptly notify the Agency if any organizational changes occur such that information contained in its NOGA is no longer correct, or that would render the organization ineligible for an FVA grant award.

After Application submission but prior to award, Applicant shall notify the Agency of any organizational changes that have occurred that would render the organization ineligible for an FVA grant award.

VII. Option to Amend Any changes, additions, or deletions to the NOGA or Approved Application must be executed through a grant amendment. A Grantee may request an amendment as outlined in the FVA Amendment Policy. Amendments may modify the approved budget, grant period, or scope of the Grant Project as described in the Approved Application. Each amendment request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A Grantee may have no more than three (3) formal amendments during a grant period. Amendment requests seeking to change the award amount must be brought before the Commission for approval prior to the end of the grant period. All other amendment requests must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the grant period. All decisions on amendments are final and non-appealable.

None of the parties to the NOGA will be bound by any oral statements, agreements, or representations contrary to the written requirements and terms and conditions contained in the Request for Applications and NOGA.

VIII. Reporting RequirementsAwarded Applicants are required to submit monthly expenditure reports and quarterly performance reports. These reports will be in the form and contain the information specified by the Agency and will have the following deadlines.

Reporting Period Monthly Expenditure Report Due Quarterly Performance Report Due

1/1-1/31/2016 2/15/2016

2/1-2/29/2065 3/15/2016

3/1-3/31/2016 4/15/2016 4/15/2016

4/1-4/30/2016 5/15/2016

5/1-5/31/2016 6/15/2016

6/1-6/30/2016 7/15/2016 7/15/2016

7/1-7/31/2016 8/15/2016

8/1-8/31/2016 9/15/2016

9/1-9/30/2016 10/15/2016 10/15/2016

10/1-10/31/2016 11/15/2016

11/1-11/30/2016 12/15/2016

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12/1-12/31/2016 1/15/2017 1/15/2017

A. Monthly ReportGrantee shall provide to FVA a monthly expenditure report in a format prescribed by the FVA and must contain an authorized signature. The due date for the report is the 15 th of the month following the end of the reporting month.

B. Quarterly ReportGrantee shall provide to FVA a quarterly performance report and project narrative in a format prescribed by the FVA. The due date for the report is the 15th of the month following the end of the reporting quarter.

C. Closeout ReportThe closeout report shall be submitted to FVA in the format designated by FVA, and is due no later than sixty (60) days after the end of the grant period. This report is in addition to the final monthly expenditure and final quarterly performance report.

D. Supporting DocumentationAccounting records, including expenditure reports, shall be supported by adequate source documentation as prescribed by the FVA. Supporting documentation for each reported cost shall demonstrate Cost Incurred and Proof of Payment. FVA will determine if supporting documentation is adequate. The Agency may deny or disallow unsupported expenses and may require that funds expended for unsupported expenses be returned.

E. Failure to Comply with Reporting RequirementsFailure of Grantee to comply with any of the reporting requirements in this agreement may result in the withholding or revocation of the grant, the refund to the FVA of grant funds disbursed, and/or Grantee’s ineligibility for future grant funds.

IX. Accounting SystemAwarded Applicant shall have an accounting system that accounts for cost in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Awarded Applicant’s accounting system must include an accurate and organized file/records system for accounting and financial purposes for providing backup materials for billings.

X. Texas Veterans Commission RecognitionAwarded Applicant shall include, where possible, the following information on the Awarded Applicant website and on all Grant Project-related materials, brochures, flyers, and forms:

Texas Veterans Commission website URL; Fund for Veterans' Assistance logo; The following statement:

“This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families.”

If requested by the Agency, the Grantee will provide information regarding grant performance, success stories, and other information that can be used by the Agency to publicize the grant program and the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. At the request of the Agency, Grantee will also provide media, including but not limited to photographs, logos, and social media participation.

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XI. Release of Information by Awarded ApplicantAwarded Applicant shall notify and seek approval from Agency prior to releasing any information to the news media regarding the activities being conducted under the Notice of Grant Award resulting from this RFA. This is effective from the time of Commission award until the grant has been closed out.

XII. InspectionsThroughout the effective period of an NOGA resulting from this RFA, all work products shall be subject to inspection and testing by authorized TVC representatives. In order to comply with legally binding requirements of client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege, in regard to any record that has client-identifying or confidential information, Grantee may redact the identifying or confidential information.

XIII. Compliance Reviews Visits to one or more of a Grantee's places of business may be made as determined by Agency representatives to inspect and review a project's physical facilities, financial records, personnel records, operational policies and procedures, including but not limited to observation of Grantee's delivery of services, and such other aspects of a Grantee's project as reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the NOGA and these provisions. In order to comply with legally binding requirements of client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege, in regard to any record that has client-identifying or confidential information, Grantee may redact the identifying or confidential information.

XIV. Eligibility DeterminationThe Grantee must ensure that clients served using FVA grant funds are eligible to receive services prior to requesting reimbursement for services provided to these clients. Eligibility documentation must be maintained in the clients’ records. In specific extenuating circumstances it may be unreasonable to obtain eligibility documentation for rendering services. The Grantee must still document due diligence to determine veteran, dependent, or spousal status.

XV. SurveyThe Agency will work with the Grantee to survey Beneficiaries’ experience in receiving assistance and/or services as part of the Grant Project.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I. Conflict of InterestApplicants must disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest relative to the performance of the requirements of this RFA. Failure to disclose a conflict of interest may be cause for disqualification of an Application or termination of an Agreement resulting from this RFA. If, following a review of this information, it is determined by TVC that a conflict of interest exists, Applicants may be disqualified from further consideration.

II. Release of Application Information by TVCPublic Information Act. Awarded Applicant understands and acknowledges that as a Texas state agency, TVC is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (“PIA”), Government Code, Chapter 552 as interpreted by judicial opinions and the opinion of the Attorney General of the state of Texas. Awarded Applicant will cooperate with TVC in the production of documents responsive to any such requests under the Public Information Act. TVC will make a determination whether to submit a Public Information Act request to the Attorney General.

All submitted Applications become the property of TVC after the RFA submission deadline date. Upon acceptance of the Notice of Grant Award, all information submitted with Applicant’s Application becomes public record and all information submitted with Awarded Applicant’s Application becomes part of the Notice of Award. Therefore, such information is subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, unless an exception under the Texas Public Information Act is applicable.

Any proprietary information included in Applicant’s Application shall be subject to disclosure unless such proprietary information was clearly identified by Applicant, and such identification was submitted concurrently with the original submission of the proprietary information. Additionally, Applicant shall state the specific reason(s) an exception from the Texas Public Information Act is being claimed concurrently with the original submission of the proprietary information. If Awarded Applicant fails to clearly identify proprietary information with the original submission of the proprietary information, then those Sections will be deemed non- proprietary and made available upon receipt of public information request after the Agreement is awarded. The production of any material under the Agreement shall not have the effect of violating or causing TVC to violate any law, including the Texas Public Information Act.

III. Assignment or SubcontractingNo rights, interest, or obligations in an Agreement resulting from this RFA shall be assigned, subcontracted, or delegated by Awarded Applicant without prior written permission of TVC Point of Contact. Any attempted assignment or delegation by Awarded Applicant shall be wholly void and totally ineffective for all purposes unless made in conformity with this Paragraph. No assignment or subcontract shall relieve Awarded Applicant of any responsibility under this RFA.

IV. IndemnificationTo the extent allowed by law, Awarded Applicant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State of Texas, TVC, as well as officers, agents, and employees of TVC from any liability, for any and all claims, demands, fees, suits or actions of any nature whatsoever, including but not limited to personal injury or illness, bodily injury (including death) and property damage occurring in connection with or in any way incident to or arising out of the use, service, operation or performance of work under the terms of the Agreement, except claims, demands, fees, suits or actions arising from any negligence by TVC, its officers, agents, employees, contractor, subcontractors or any negligence of a third party, its (their) officers, agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors. TVC shall give Awarded Applicant written notice of each such claim or suit and full right and opportunity to conduct Awarded Applicant's own defense thereof, together

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with full information and all reasonable cooperation. Awarded Applicant shall coordinate its defense with the Texas Attorney General as requested by TVC.

Additionally, if Awarded Applicant requires or desires to use any design, trademark, device, material or process covered by letters of patent or copyright, Awarded Applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless, to the extent allowed by law, the State of Texas, TVC, as well as officers, agents, and employees of TVC, from any liability, for any and all claims, demands, fees, suits or actions of any nature whatsoever, from any and all claims for infringement by reason of the use of any such patented design, device, trademark, copyright, material or process in connection with the work agreed to be performed and shall indemnify (to the extent allowed by law) the State of Texas, TVC, as well as officers, agents, and employees of TVC, from any cost, expense, royalty or damage which the State of Texas, TVC, as well as officers, agents, and employees of TVC may be obligated to pay by reason of any infringement at any time during the performance of or after completion of the work. Awarded Applicant represents and warrants that it has determined what licenses, patents, and permits are required under the Agreement and has lawfully acquired all such licenses, patents, and permits.

Notwithstanding any indemnification clause, TVC shall have full authority to conduct its own defense, negotiations, and settlements, but Awarded Applicant's indemnification (to the extent allowed by law) nevertheless remains in full force and effect. Any settlement shall only be reimbursable by Awarded Applicant if Awarded Applicant approves such settlement in advance, and any liability upon unsuccessful defense shall only be reimbursable by Awarded Applicant if Awarded Applicant has full opportunity to participate equally in the defense of the action.

V. Severability and Strict PerformanceThe invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provisions of the NOGA shall in no way affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of any other provisions.

Each and every right granted to TVC and Awarded Applicant hereunder or under any other document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, or allowed them by law or equity, shall be cumulative and may be exercised from time to time. Failure by TVC or Awarded Applicant at any time to require strict performance of any provision or obligation contained herein shall not constitute a waiver or diminish the rights of either party thereafter to demand strict compliance. Neither TVC’s review, approval, nor acceptance of program components, nor payment under this Agreement, shall be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under the Agreement, or of any cause of action arising out of the performance required by the Agreement.

VI. Audit and Access to RecordsA. Pursuant to Texas Government Code 2262.003, Awarded Applicant acknowledges that acceptance of

funds under the Agreement acts as acceptance of the authority of (1) the Texas State Auditor's Office, or any successor agency, (2) the Texas State Auditor’s Office or any successor agency, under the direction of the Texas Legislative Audit Committee, (3) TVC’s Internal Auditor, and (4) any external auditors selected by TVC or any auditors selected by the United States, (Collectively referred to as “Audit Entities”) to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. Awarded Applicant further agrees to cooperate fully with Audit Entities in the conduct of the audit or investigation, including providing all records requested. Awarded Applicant shall ensure that this clause concerning the authority to audit funds received indirectly by subcontractors through Awarded Applicant and the requirement to cooperate is included in any subcontract Awarded Applicant awards.

B. Awarded Applicant shall maintain its records and accounts in a manner which shall assure a full accounting for all funds received and expended by Awarded Applicant in connection with the Project. These records and accounts (which includes all receipts of expenses incurred by Awarded Applicant)

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shall be retained by Awarded Applicant and made available for inspecting, monitoring, programmatic or financial auditing, or evaluation by TVC and by others authorized by law or regulation to do so for a period of not less than three (3) years from the date of completion of the Grant Project or the date of the receipt by TVC of Awarded Applicant’s final claim for payment or final expenditure report or until a resolution of all billing questions in connection with the Agreement, whichever is later. If an audit has been announced, the records shall be retained until such audit has been completed. Awarded Applicant shall make available at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, and for reasonable periods, all documents and other information related to the Grant Project carried out under the Agreement. Awarded Applicant and any subcontractors shall provide any Audit Entities with any information the entity deems relevant to any monitoring, investigation, evaluation, or audit.

C. TVC reserves the right to require the reimbursement of any over-payments determined as a result of any audit or inspection of records kept by Awarded Applicant on work performed under the Agreement. Awarded Applicant shall reimburse TVC within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice from TVC of overpayment. Awarded Applicant’s failure to comply with this “Audit and Access to Records” section shall constitute a material breach of the Agreement.

VII. Applicable Law and VenueThe Agreement and any incorporated documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. The exclusive venue of any suit brought concerning the Agreement and any incorporated documents is fixed in any court of competent jurisdiction in Travis County, Texas, and all payments under the Agreement shall be due and payable in Travis County, Texas.

VIII. Applicant Responsibilities/Compliance with LawsApplicant shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations and the orders and decrees of any court or administrative bodies or tribunals in any matter affecting the performance of the Agreement, including, if applicable, workers compensation laws, compensation statutes and regulations, and licensing laws and regulations. When requested to do so by TVC, Applicant shall furnish TVC with satisfactory proof of its compliance.

IX. Dispute ResolutionThe dispute resolution process provided for in Texas Government Code, Chapter 2260 shall be used by TVC and Awarded Applicant (“Respondent”) to resolve any dispute arising under the NOGA. The dispute resolution process provided for in Chapter 2260 shall be used, as further described herein, to attempt to resolve a claim for breach of contract asserted by the Respondent under the NOGA. If the Respondent’s claim for breach of contract cannot be resolved by the Parties in the ordinary course of business, it shall be submitted to the negotiation process provided in Chapter 2260. To initiate the process, the Respondent shall submit written notice, as required by Chapter 2260, to the Deputy Comptroller or his or her designee. The notice shall also be given to the individual identified in the NOGA for receipt of notices. Compliance by the Respondent with Chapter 2260 is a condition precedent to the filing of a contested case proceeding under Chapter 2260.

The contested case process provided in Chapter 2260 is the Respondent’s sole and exclusive process for seeking a remedy for an alleged breach of contract by TVC if the Parties are unable to resolve their disputes as described above.

Compliance with the contested case process provided in Chapter 2260 is a condition precedent to seeking consent to sue from the Legislature under Chapter 107, Civil Practices and Remedies Code. Neither the execution of the NOGA by TVC nor any other conduct of any representative of TVC relating to the NOGA shall be considered a waiver of sovereign immunity to suit.

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For all other specific breach of contract claims or disputes under the NOGA, TVC and the Respondent shall first attempt to resolve them through direct discussions in a spirit of mutual cooperation. If the Parties’ attempts to resolve their disagreements through negotiations fail, the dispute will be mediated by a mutually acceptable third party to be chosen by TVC and the Respondent within fifteen (15) days after written notice by one them demanding mediation under this Section. The Respondent shall pay all costs of the mediation unless TVC, in its sole good faith discretion, approves its payment of all or part of such costs. By mutual agreement, TVC and the Respondent may use a non-binding form of dispute resolution other than mediation. The purpose of this Section is to reasonably ensure that TVC and the Respondent shall, in good faith, utilize mediation or another non-binding dispute resolution process before pursuing litigation. TVC’s participation in, or the results of, any mediation or other non-binding dispute resolution process under this Section or the provisions of this Section shall not be construed as a waiver by TVC of (1) any rights, privileges, defenses, remedies or immunities available to TVC as an agency of the State of Texas or otherwise available to the TVC; (2) TVC’s termination rights; or (3) other termination provisions or expiration dates of the NOGA.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the NOGA to the contrary, unless otherwise requested or approved in writing by TVC, the Respondent shall continue performance and shall not be excused from performance during the period any breach of contract claim or dispute is pending under either of the above processes; however, the Respondent may suspend performance during the pendency of such claim or dispute if the Respondent has complied with all provisions of Section 2251.051, Texas Government Code, and such suspension of performance is expressly applicable and authorized under that law.

X. Force MajeureNeither Awarded Applicant nor Agency shall be liable to the other for any delay in, or failure of performance, of any requirement included in any NOGA resulting from this RFA caused by force majeure. The existence of such causes of delay or failure shall extend the period of performance until after the causes of delay or failure have been removed provided the non-performing party exercises all reasonable due diligence to perform. Force majeure is defined as acts of God, war, fires, explosions, hurricanes, floods, failure of transportation, or other causes that are beyond the reasonable control of either party and that by exercise of due foresight such party could not reasonably have been expected to avoid, and which, by the exercise of all reasonable due diligence, such party is unable to overcome. Each party must inform the other in writing, with proof of receipt, within three (3) business days of the existence of such force majeure, or otherwise waive this right as a defense.

XI. Non-Appropriation of FundsThe NOGA may be terminated if funds allocated to TVC should become reduced, depleted, or unavailable during the grant period, and to the extent that TVC is unable to obtain additional funds for such purposes. TVC shall negotiate efforts as first consideration and if such efforts fail, then TVC shall immediately provide written notification to the Awarded Applicant of such fact and the NOGA shall be deemed terminated upon receipt of the notification, and neither party shall have any further rights or obligations hereunder. Awarded Applicant shall not incur new obligations after the effective date of termination and shall cancel as many outstanding obligations as reasonably practicable. TVC shall be liable for allowable costs incurred up to the time of such termination. Under no circumstances shall this RFA or any provisions herein be construed to extend the duties, responsibilities, obligations, or liabilities of the State of Texas or TVC beyond the then existing biennium.

XII. Termination and EnforcementAwards may be terminated in whole or in part only if one of the following applies:

A. By the awarding agency if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the award;

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B. By the awarding agency with the consent of the recipient in which case the two parties shall agree on the termination conditions, including the effective date and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated;

C. By the recipient upon sending to the awarding agency written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. If the awarding agency determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified grant will not accomplish the purposes for which the grant was made, it may terminate the grant in its entirety.

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PROVISIONS AND ASSURANCES

I. TerrorismTVC is federally mandated to adhere to the directions provided in the President’s Executive Order (EO) 13224, Executive Order on Terrorist Financing – Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism, effective 9/24/2001 and any subsequent changes made to it via cross-referencing Applicants with the Federal General Services Administration’s Excluded Parties List System (EPLS, http://www.epls.gov), which is inclusive of the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated National (SDN) list. Applicant is not so prohibited from entering into this NOGA. Moreover, Applicant further certifies that the responding entity and its principals are eligible to participate in this transaction and have not been subjected to suspension, debarment, or similar ineligibility determined by any federal, state or local governmental entity and that Applicant is in compliance with the State of Texas statutes and rules relating to procurement and that Applicant is not listed on the federal government's terrorism watch list as described in Executive Order 13224. (Entities ineligible for federal procurement are listed at http://www.epls.gov/)

II. Certification Concerning Hurricane ReliefUnder Section 2155.006(b) of the Texas Government Code, a state agency may not accept a bid or award a contract, including a contract for which purchasing authority is delegated to a state agency, that includes proposed financial participation by a person who, during the five year period preceding the date of the bid or award, has been: (1) convicted of violating a federal law in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005; or (2) assessed a penalty in a federal civil or administrative enforcement action in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005. Under Section 2155.006 of the Texas Government Code, the bidder certifies that the individual or business entity named in this bid is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that any contract resulting from this RFA may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

III. Buy TexasIn accordance with Texas Government Code, Section 2155.4441, the State of Texas requires that during the performance of a contract for services, Awarded Applicant shall purchase products and materials produced in the State of Texas when available at a price and time comparable to products and materials produced outside the state.

IV. Certification Concerning Family Code/Child Support ArrearsUnder Family Code § 231.006, relating to child support obligations, A child support obligor who is more than 30 days delinquent in paying child support and a business entity in which the obligor is a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder, or owner with an ownership interest of at least 25 percent is not eligible to: (1) receive payments from state funds under a contract to provide property, materials, or services; or (2) receive a state-funded grant or loan. Applicant and any other individual or business entity named in this RFA are eligible to receive the specified payment and acknowledge that this contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

V. Maintain Tax-Exempt StatusAwarded Applicant will maintain its tax exempt status under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for the life of the grant, and will notify TVC immediately if such status changes.

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